For some children, the safest way to complete dental treatment is while they’re fully asleep. Our pediatric dentists in San Antonio provide dental care under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center, with an anesthesiologist watching over your child the entire time. All the needed treatment can often be finished in a single visit.
When is general anesthesia recommended?
General anesthesia means your child is completely asleep, much as they would be for ear tubes or a tonsillectomy. We may recommend it for:
- Very young children who need a lot of treatment
- Children with significant dental anxiety
- Children with special needs who can’t tolerate treatment with conscious sedation
- Situations where Sedation Dentistry isn’t enough to complete care safely
Every choice carries some risk, including the choice to wait. Without anesthesia, treatment may take many appointments, or require holding a child still, which can be upsetting and unsafe. Without treatment, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, facial swelling, spread to other teeth, damage to the permanent teeth developing underneath, and, rarely, a hospital stay for a serious dental infection. Serious problems from anesthesia are rare, and your child’s anesthesiologist will go over the specific risks with you before the procedure.
Our experience with general anesthesia
Dr. Kevin Coppola is certified in hospital dentistry and Level 2 sedation. As a Past President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, he worked to pass Texas legislation requiring medical insurance plans to cover general anesthesia for medically necessary dental treatment, so families aren’t left paying the full cost of anesthesia themselves.
Every family’s coverage is different. Our team can help you understand what your medical and dental plans may cover before the procedure, though we can’t guarantee coverage.
Getting ready for the procedure
- Let us know about any change in your child’s health before the procedure, even a cold.
- Tell us about all medicines your child takes, along with any allergies or past reactions to medicine.
- Your child must have a completely empty stomach: no food or drink after midnight. Follow any more specific instructions from the surgery center.
- Choose loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to take on and off.
- A parent or legal guardian needs to stay at the surgery center throughout the procedure.
Surgery center policy doesn’t allow parents in the operating room. You’ll wait nearby and join your child in the recovery room as they wake up.
After general anesthesia
Before you leave, the surgery center will give you written after-care instructions and a number to call with any concerns. At home, plan for a slow, restful day:
- Grogginess can last for several hours, so stay with your child and keep an eye on them.
- If they fall asleep, keep their neck straight so they can breathe easily.
- Rouse them every hour or so for sips of fluid; water is ideal.
- Skip active play for the rest of the day.
- Should your child vomit, turn their head to one side.
Is general anesthesia safe for dental treatment?
For healthy children, serious complications are rare. A medical anesthesiologist cares for your child throughout, and we review your child’s health history carefully before recommending this option.
Will insurance pay for general anesthesia?
In Texas, many medical plans are required to cover general anesthesia when dental treatment is medically necessary. Plans differ, so our team will help you check your benefits.
Can I be with my child?
You can stay with your child until they go back for treatment, and you’ll be reunited in the recovery room as soon as possible.
Related: Sedation Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide